1 Thessalonians 2
Paul's Ministry in
Thessalonica |
1 |
For yourselves, brethren, know our
entrance in unto you, that it was not in vain:
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2 |
but even after that we had suffered
before, and were shamefully entreated, as ye know, at Phil'ippi, Acts 16.19-24 we were bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God
with much contention. Acts 17.1-9
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3 |
For our exhortation was not of
deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile:
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4 |
but as we were allowed of God to be put
in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but
God, which trieth our hearts.
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5 |
For neither at any time used we
flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloak of covetousness; God is witness:
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6 |
nor of men sought we glory, neither of
you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome,
as the apostles of Christ.
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7 |
But we were gentle among you, even as a
nurse cherisheth her children:
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8 |
so being affectionately desirous of you,
we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God
only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto
us.
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9 |
For ye remember, brethren, our labor
and travail: for laboring night and day, because we would not be
chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of
God.
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10 |
Ye are witnesses, and God also, how holily and justly and unblamably we behaved
ourselves among you that believe:
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11 |
as ye know how we exhorted and comforted
and charged every one of you, as a father doth his
children,
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12 |
that ye would walk worthy of God, who
hath called you unto his kingdom and glory.
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13 |
For this cause also thank we God
without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye
heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men,
but, as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh
also in you that believe.
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14 |
For ye, brethren, became followers of the
churches of God which in Judea are in Christ Jesus: for ye also have
suffered like things of your own countrymen, Acts 17.5 even as they have of the Jews:
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15 |
who both killed the Lord Jesus, and their
own prophets, and have persecuted us; Acts 9.23 ; 13.45 ; 3.50 ; 14.2 ; 4.5 ; 4.19 ; 17.5 ; 7.13 ; 18.12 and they please not God, and are contrary to all
men:
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16 |
forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles
that they might be saved, to fill up their sins always: for the
wrath is come upon them to the uttermost.
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Paul's Absence and
Concern |
17 |
But we, brethren, being taken from you
for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavored the more
abundantly to see your face with great desire.
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18 |
Wherefore we would have come unto you,
even I Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us.
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19 |
For what is our hope, or joy, or
crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our
Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?
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20 |
For ye are our glory and
joy.
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